Please note that the design of this program and its admission requirements are under review. We are not accepting applications at this time. Changes will be posted on this website.
Description
The Applied Biology program provides you with a broad education in the field of biology. It covers both the theoretical and applied knowledge of cell and molecular biology, and will equip you with the skills required in the demanding field of biotechnology.
Graduates will receive both a diploma in Chemical and Biosciences Technology from Red River College and a degree in Applied Biology from the University of Winnipeg.
Year 1 and Year 2 courses are offered at the U of W, Year 3 courses are offered at the College, and Year 4 courses are at the U of W. You will be required to complete 20 full course equivalents for this joint program.
For more information, visit the Applied & Joint Programs webpage.
You must apply directly to the University of Winnipeg (U of W) by March 1, and meet the university's admission requirements.
After you complete Years 1 and 2 at the U of W, you must submit an application to Red River College for the third year of the program.
Regular Admission Requirements
Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program. For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685, or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca, which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan applications well in advance of the class start date.
Red River College Polytechnic is a participating institution in the HigherEdPoints program. Through this program, students are able to convert Aeroplan® Miles and TD Points into funds to help cover their tuition. Family members and friends can also contribute to a student’s education by converting their loyalty points - anyone can donate their points to an individual student.
Visit the HigherEdPoints website for more information about the program and/or to set up an account to convert your points.
In addition to the Red River College courses listed in the courses and descriptions section, you must complete a number of University of Winnipeg courses. Please refer to the University of Winnipeg Calendar for specific U of W course information.
The residency requirement at the University of Winnipeg for all four-year degree students is 60 credit hours. You must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours in the appropriate program at Red River College. You must complete all the required Year 1 & Year 2 courses at the U of W before proceeding to RRC.
Note: Ensure you are aware of course prerequisites, especially for those you plan to take from the recommended lists. To help you select your courses, determine your prerequisites, and finalize other details, a mandatory academic advising process will be set up for you.
This course includes: microbiological fundamentals, examples of chemical and physical methods of control, applications to environmental, water and foods; viral structure, classification and replication; and analysis of selected metabolic reactions and methods used in identification of selected microorganisms. It also includes the practical and applied aspects of industrial microbiology in the production of foods, other commercial products of economic value, water treatment and microbiological analysis.
This course emphasizes both the theoretical and applied aspects of molecular biology. Studies include examination of recombinant DNA technologies, DNA modification, cloning vectors, nucleic acid characterization, PCR, and numerous other topics. In the laboratory, students will develop practical skills and continue to develop professional record-keeping skills with a high degree of accountability.
Gas chromatography is utilized to perform separations of volatile components in a laboratory setting. The set-up and operation of this type of instrument, including a headspace analyzer, will be covered. Packed columns and high resolution capillary chromatography columns will be discussed as well as the impact of the Van Deemter equation on chromatography. Various detectors and injectors will be examined, with emphasis on their operation and strengths. The chromatograms will be processed using a modern computerized data system.
This course covers the basic principles and concepts of the immune system. It will discuss the various tissues and cells that play an integral part of immunity. Other cellular and non-cellular components of the immune system will be discussed. The specific immune response will be covered in detail. Immunoserology and other immunological diagnostic and research methods will be described. A brief overview of autoimmune disease is included.
Introductory Biochemistry introduces students to the fundamental concepts/compounds of biochemistry. Students will look at the structure and role of lipids/fatty acids, carbohydrates, and amino acids/proteins. The course also introduces students to anabolic/catabolic pathways and the fundamentals of bioenergetics and metabolism. Introductory Biochemistry helps students develop professional laboratory techniques including formulations, methods, and ISO-format record maintenance.
This is an introductory course in the basic techniques used in the in vitro culture and manipulation of selected animal and plant cells and tissues. These techniques are widely utilized in basic and applied research.
The second component of biochemical studies, Advanced Biochemistry, focuses on two main subject areas: metabolic pathways and metabolism as well as information pathways in living systems. Students will look at both the structures and pathways of metabolites as well as an in-depth examination of nucleic acids and the transfer of genetic information into functional cellular products. Advanced Biochemistry also helps students develop professional laboratory technique including formulations, methods, and ISO/GLP-format laboratory record maintenance.
Liquid chromatography, focusing on the set-up and operation of this type of instrument, will be covered including the preparation of the mobile phase. Columns including normal phase, reverse phase, and size exclusion chromatography will be discussed as well as the impact of the Van Deemter equation on chromatography. Various detectors will be examined with emphasis on their operation and strengths. Injector systems will also be presented. The chromatography will be processed using a modern computerized data system.
Spectroscopy surveys the functional design and operating principles of optical spectrometers in the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet regions of the spectrum. Scattering, emission, and absorbance of both atoms and molecules will be examined in detail. As well, the course examines the role of these instruments in both quantitative and qualitative chemical analysis.
This course provides a fundamental understanding of the rapidly emerging nutraceutical/functional food industry with emphasis on the analysis, production, control, quality assurance, and development of natural health products. Occupying a regulatory gray area between prescription pharmaceuticals and foods, these materials require development of strong analytical skills combined with a working knowledge of consumer concerns and a developing regulatory environment. The laboratory component offers a practical examination of techniques for extraction and analysis of biomolecules from natural sources.
The co-operative education option will include paid work terms in biology-related positions. Enrolment in this path is limited dependent on the availability of positions. Students in the program must meet the co-op education criteria and apply through their faculty advisor at the University of Winnipeg.
Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red River College programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College students require, at minimum:
1. Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam
2. A high speed internet connection
• Recommended minimum speed: 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload
• Slower internet connection speeds may result in audio and video issues. Please keep in mind that if others in your home are using the same internet connection at the same time as you are, you may also experience audio and video issues.
• Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.
Please note that any anticipated costs are not included in Books and Supplies estimates.
The following university offers credit for the Applied Biology program.
Athabasca University
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.
Employment opportunities may exist for graduates in the following: